Chapel Brook showcases the rugged beauty of the region, blending steep and deep forests, sensational summit views, and streams that surge and trickle with the seasons. At the heart of reservation lies 1,420-foot Pony Mountain, whose nearly vertical 100-foot rock face enthralls skilled rock climbers. Down below, Chapel Brook—a tributary of the South River— meanders through a dense hardwood forest before cascading over three bedrock ledges. In times of high water, Chapel Falls are in full roar. Come summer, however, the pools offer a cool, welcome dip.

Hike to the top of Pony Mountain via the Summit Trail, which rises to meet the abrupt, vertical, 100-foot rock face of Chapel Ledge and offers a strenuous workout. A less-daunting, half-mile trail leads around the western side of the mountain to its summit. Once there, a grove of trees gives way to granite ledges that drop off precipitously, revealing dramatic views south toward the Berkshire foothills.

You can traverse the lower slopes on the D.A.R. Trail, a footpath built in partnership with the Ashfield Trails Committee. The trail currently takes you above Chapel Brook, past old foundations, along a ridgeline, and through an historic sheep pasture.

FREE to all. Open sunrise to sunset.

While the property is open in the winter, note that we do not plow the parking lot.

Williamsburg Rd.
Ashfield, MA 01330

E-mail: info@thetrustees.org

Get directions on Google Maps.

From Points North: I-91, Exit 36 to Rt. 116 North. After 11.2 mi, continue straight ahead onto Williamsburg Rd. (follow Williamsburg Rt. 9 signs). Follow for 2.2 mi. to entrance on right. Pony Mountain is on right side of street; Chapel Falls is on left. Parking areas (12 cars) on both sides of road.

From Points South: I-91, Exit 25 to Rt. 5 North. After approx. 1 mi. turn left onto Rt. 9 West. Follow approx. 9 mi. Slight right onto North Street. Continue on Ashfield Rd./Ashfield Williamsburg Valley Rd. for 6 mi. Continue onto Williamsburg Rd. to entrance.

The riverbank is an extremely fragile ecosystem. Please stay on marked trails and avoid trampling on vegetation and soils near the water’s edge.

We recommend that you take a photo of the map on your phone so you can refer to it during your visit, or download a trail map before you head out.

• Mountain biking is not allowed.
• Dogs must be kept on leash at all times.
• Rock climbers do so at their own risk. Take special caution when standing at the Pony Mountain Overlook.
• Hunting is permitted at this property subject to all state and town laws. It is recommended to wear brightly colored clothing like an orange vest or hat during the hunting season. Hunting is not allowed on Sundays. Learn more about hunting on Trustees properties, and read safety tips for non-hunters.
• While the property is open in the winter, note that we do not plow the parking lot.
• The riverbank is an extremely fragile ecosystem. Please stay on marked trails and avoid trampling on vegetation and soils near the water’s edge.
• PHOTOGRAPHY: We ask that photographers or their clients become Contributing Level Members before conducting portrait sessions at this property. Click here for more information, and to request permission for any portrait sessions. The Trustees of Reservations reserves the right, and may give permission to its designated photographers and videographers, or to outside media, to photograph or video visitors and program participants at all its facilities and properties.